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TEXT
Copy the text out of a PDF, from every page or only the pages you choose, as a plain .txt file.
QUICK ANSWER
To extract text from a PDF, add the file, choose the pages, or leave it empty for all of them, and choose Extract text. You get the text in reading order as a .txt file, ready to paste anywhere. Scanned pages need OCR first. It runs in your browser, so your file isn’t uploaded.
Updated 31 October 2026 · Written by the StackPDF teamUpdated 31 October 2026 · StackPDF team
You’ll choose the pages next. It stays in this browser.You’ll choose the pages next. It stays in this browser.
PDF files · Runs in your browser
QUICK ANSWER
To extract text from a PDF, add the file, choose the pages, or leave it empty for all of them, and choose Extract text. You get the text in reading order as a .txt file, ready to paste anywhere. Scanned pages need OCR first. It runs in your browser, so your file isn’t uploaded.
Updated 31 October 2026 · Written by the StackPDF teamUpdated 31 October 2026 · StackPDF team
HOW TO
Drop it here, or choose it from your computer, your phone or My files.
Click pages, or type ranges such as 1-3. Leave it empty for every page.
Preview it, then copy it or download it as a .txt file.
GOOD TO KNOW
Text comes out in reading order, page by page.
| SITUATION | WHAT YOU GET | TIP |
|---|---|---|
| A normal PDF | The text of the chosen pages | Copy it straight into a document |
| A scanned PDF | No text, because the pages are pictures | Run OCR PDF first |
| Columns and tables | Lines in reading order | Use PDF to CSV for tables |
| A protected PDF | A request for the password first | Permissions may block copying |
Formatting such as bold and font sizes isn’t kept in a .txt file.
PRIVACY
Yes. Extract text from PDF runs in your browser, so the file never leaves your device.
StackPDF opens the PDF in your browser tab and does the work there.
Close the tab and it’s gone. Free results download to your device. Premium can also keep them in My files.
pdf-lib, PDF.js and qpdf do the work, inside your browser.
FAQ
Add the PDF and choose Extract text. Copy the text from the preview, or download it as a .txt file.
Yes. The free plan includes 1 PDF export a day, with no account. Premium removes the daily limit for $5.99 a month or $39.99 a year.
No. The text is read in your browser, so the PDF stays on your device.
Yes. Click the pages or type ranges such as 1-3, 8. Leave it empty to get every page.
The PDF is probably a scan, so its pages are pictures without text. Run OCR PDF first.
PDF to Text saves every page as a .txt file. Extract text lets you choose the pages and copy the text from the preview.